How to be a hero

An apron is

just a cape on backwards!

For many of us being a Freemason is lodge. Regularly attending our lodge meetings. Enjoying the South and visiting where possible are the staples of our diet.

The basics in which we keep developing and giving back to those who gave us these basics.

Recent times have taken this staple routine from us. Health, legalities, and restrictions have constricted the lifeblood of

Freemasonry.

However, technology has spliced itself into our masonic routines by enabling us to still meet on our laptops. Of course, there are pitfalls:

A screen with many faces; bad internet connections; creative yet distracting backgrounds; the ‘techologically challenged’ stumbling and great conversations missed due to mute being enabled by mistake!

As handy as this may be, it’s neither a replacement nor ideal. Nor is it suitable for masonic ceremonial. But it is a connection! A band-aid for the monthly routine and masonic fix. A must for many brethren.

My mother lodge (The Royal Empire

Lodge) opted for the casual approach solely as a way for us to simply chat and catch up. A method to check in on each other and see if anybody needed any help. We regularly had similar numbers online as at our physical meetings – we even raised a (virtual) glass to our sick and absent brethren.

This leads me to my opinion of the the reality of Freemasonry.

When I go to lodge, I go to give and

I give my all, I give my best for all who have taken their time to attend the meeting. Since I give the best I can, I take a lot. I sit back (where I can) and watch

the harmony of the lodge. The debates, the ritual, the questions, and the appreciation. This activity seems to release a chemical that reinforces what I am doing is right. More importantly it impels me to take what I have gained from the meeting and apply it to that part of my world that is under my control. My family, friends, work, and general interactions!

This is the meaning of Freemasonry. It’s not just for those we are meeting in lodge and ‘convenient rooms’. But for those who cannot be with us. For Freemasonry to thrive we must improve the immediate surroundings for each of us. When someone says, ‘I am a Freemason’, the wider community will ‘know’ he is a good man.

This type of behaviour is contagious. If non masons experience the righteous behaviour of members of the Craft they WILL be attracted.

There have been so many recent examples of Freemasons showing their true colours. The recent pandemic has shown people as they really are. Whilst some were stripping the shelves of toilet paper, we were delivering it to those that needed it most. When others were hoarding food, we were cooking for our neighbours. All our lives have been touched in some way by COVID-19, but every cloud shows its silver lining when someone displays a token of goodwill. The recent pandemic has shown people as they really are. Whilst some were stripping the shelves of toilet paper, we were delivering it to those that needed it most.

I watch my email, phone, and social media and I have witnessed an abundance of goodwill. Even if someone can’t help, they are offering or trying. The amount of positive activity in society sprouting from our ancient fraternity is outstanding. It’s made me prouder to be a mason than ever before. It’s heartwarming not to just see our goodwill in action, but also to see that it’s not given with the intention to receive. We are an army of unsung heroes in society.

Hence the title; An apron is just a cape on backwards!

All this without physical meetings; without the South; without well-rehearsed and delivered ceremonies. In short, our membership is paying off. It’s paying off for those around us. This is its purpose. Firstly, to improve us individually, so we can better serve the world around us. This legacy is something that lasts longer than the action itself. In many instances longer than our lives. The system of Freemasonry itself is a legacy. Therefore, if we believe in Freemasonry, we acknowledge the importance of that legacy.

Let’s continue as we are to keep this positive ‘Freemason legacy’ going.

This is a thank you to all the brethren who have stood up during these times and been there for those that needed you. Thank you for your efforts and thank you for keeping the masonic legacy strong despite being deprived of our regular meetings.